SNAP Policy Update - verification of "questionable information"

We understand folks are busy on many levels with the state budget, fundraising activities, etc. We wanted to update you on one of the items in tomorrow's Coalition meeting agenda re when a SNAP household must provide verification to DTA of "questionable information."

The following email is from MLRI's AmeriCorps Fellow, Kelly Love:

Lately, MLRI has heard from SNAP applicants and recipients that case managers are asking for extra, unnecessary verifications when the applicant or recipient reports that their income is less than their expenses. Under DTA policy and under the SNAP regulations, information is not "questionable" if the SNAP household provides a satisfactory answer that is consistent with the information the applicant has stated on the application, has stated during the interview or is otherwise known to the Department. See 106 CMR 361.620 and 364.450(B). Additional verfications or written statements should NOT be required. See also DTA Hotline Q and A of March 2010, available at: http://www.masslegalservices.org/node/30852.

Some cases that came up recently from the Boston/Revere offices included SNAP applicants/recipients who were recently laid off but not yet receiving UI (or are not UI eligible) as well as persons whose source of income (such as AmeriCorps or work study) is non-countable. The individuals were asked during the DTA phone interview how they pay rent and utilities given the lack of countable income. Even though the clients verbally explained they were using their savings or a credit card, were in arrears but hoping to avoid an eviction, were borrowing money from family members and/or they relied on their non-countable income - the SNAP case managers insisted on a statement from the landord or a separate written statement from the applicant in addition to the verbal statement.

Such verifications are unnecessary if the client provides a reasonable explanation regarding any discrepancy between income and expenses. In some situations, pursuing documentation could put more pressure on an already strained landlord/tenant relationship, and could trigger an eviction if the applicant is behind in rent. MLRI contacted Boston SNAP Director Mary Flannigan this month with three cases where exess verifications were demanded. Ms Flanigan kindly alerted the staff at the Newmarket and Dudley Sq. offices, raised it in a staff meeting and offered to contacted another SNAP director about the issue as well.

Please let us know if you are experiencing a similar situation with your clients so we can help you reach out to the SNAP Director for your local DTA office to address the issue there as well. DTA guidance and the SNAP regulations are solid on this issue.